β relaxation theory for simple systems: some addenda

The evolution of the tagged particle probability density for a hard sphere system is evaluated within the -relaxation window. Relaxation curves obtained by molecular dynamics studies by Barrat, Hansen and Roux for a binary mixture are analyzed quantitatively with -relaxation scaling formulae. The dynamical light scattering data obtained by Pusey and van Megen for colloidal suspensions are described by the combined - and -relaxation scaling results. The range of validity of asymptotic expressions near a glass transition singularity is discussed for the Debye-Waller factor as a function of packing fraction. The applied theoretical formulae are those of the mode coupling theory for the liquid to glass transition.     

Backbone-controlled LUMO energy induces intramolecular C–H activation in ortho-bis-9-borafluorene-substituted phenyl and o-carboranyl compounds leading to novel 9,10-diboraanthracene derivatives

The choice of backbone linker for two ortho-bis-(9-borafluorene)s has a great influence on the LUMO located at the boron centers and, therefore, the reactivity of the respective compounds. Herein, we report the room temperature rearrangement of 1,2-bis-(9-borafluorenyl)-ortho-carborane, C₂B₁₀H₁₀-1,2-[B(C₁₂H₈)]₂ ([2a]) featuring o-carborane as the inorganic three-dimensional backbone and the synthesis of 1,2-bis-(9-borafluorenyl)benzene, C₆H₄-1,2-[B(C₁₂H₈)]₂ (2b), its phenylene analog. DFT calculations on the transition state for the rearrangement support an intramolecular C–H bond activation process via an S_EAr-like mechanism in [2a], and predicted that the same rearrangement would take place in 2b, but at elevated temperatures, which indeed proved to be the case. The rearrangement gives access to 3a and 3b as dibora-benzo[a]fluoroanthene isomers, a form of diboron polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that had yet to be explored. The isolated compounds 2b, 3a, and 3b were fully characterized by NMR, HRMS, cyclic voltammetry (CV), single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and photophysical measurements, supported by DFT and TD-DFT calculations.

The backbone linker for two ortho-bis-(9-borafluorene)s influences the LUMO at the boron centers and the reactivity of the respective compounds.     

On the Effect of the Various Assumptions and Approximations used in Molecular Simulations on the Properties of Bio-Molecular Systems: Overview and Perspective on Issues

Computer simulations of molecular systems enable structure-energy-function relationships of molecular processes to be described at the sub-atomic, atomic, supra-atomic or supra-molecular level and plays an increasingly important role in chemistry, biology and physics. To interpret the results of such simulations appropriately, the degree of uncertainty and potential errors affecting the calculated properties must be considered. Uncertainty and errors arise from (1) assumptions underlying the molecular model, force field and simulation algorithms, (2) approximations implicit in the interatomic interaction function (force field), or when integrating the equations of motion, (3) the chosen values of the parameters that determine the accuracy of the approximations used, and (4) the nature of the system and the property of interest. In this overview, advantages and shortcomings of assumptions and approximations commonly used when simulating bio-molecular systems are considered. What the developers of bio-molecular force fields and simulation software can do to facilitate and broaden research involving bio-molecular simulations is also discussed.     

Novel Aspects in the Synthesis of Carbenoids Containing P/C-pπ-Bonds

Abstract

The synthesis and x-ray structure analysis of a novel type of carbenoids, aryl-P(=E)=C(Cl)Li(thf)₃ (E=N-aryl, C(SiMe₃)₂), as well as the first example of a 1,3-diphosphetane-2,4-diyl, (aryl-PCCl)₂, is reported and on the basis of quantum chemical calculations its bonding situation is discussed. Furthermore, selected examples for the varying reaction behavior of both types of compounds are presented.